In a strategic effort to fuel innovation through leadership, WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo has partnered with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to deliver a custom leadership program for CNL employees.
The program, which provides CNL with exclusive access to a selection of WatSPEED’s leadership and supervision courses, helps employees establish new skills and strategies to build trust, enhance workplace dynamics, and support organizational success.
“Our partnership with CNL reflects a shared commitment to developing leaders who can navigate complex challenges and make meaningful impact,” says Sanjeev Gill, associate vice-president of innovation and executive director of WatSPEED. “Through this work together, we’re highlighting the value of continuous learning in an evolving landscape and demonstrating how investing in leadership development future-proofs professionals and organizations alike.”
As part of the program, CNL team members explored a broad range of leadership competencies, such as emotional intelligence, communication and coaching strategies, negotiation skills, and conflict resolution, so they might better align teams and drive performance. More than 25 CNL employees complete the program, with 90 per cent reporting the course content as useful for current and future work initiatives.
Participants also used WatSPEED’s digital readiness assessment to better understand their organization’s current state and identify opportunities for future-focused innovation.
"Investing in leadership development is critical to our success at CNL, and our collaboration with WatSPEED has provided our teams with the tools to lead with confidence and adaptability,” says Aaron Hogan, Manager of Property Remediation and Restoration for the Historic Waste Program at CNL. “The program’s focus on communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making has already shown tangible benefits in how we collaborate and solve challenges. As we continue tackling complex projects, strengthening our leadership capabilities ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence."
CNL plays a vital role in advancing Canada’s leadership in nuclear science and technology, developing peaceful and innovative applications in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology, and engineering. With over 4,000 employees across Canada, CNL’s top priorities include restoring and protecting the environment, developing cleaner energy, and improving the health of Canadians.
The partnership with WatSPEED aligns with these goals by equipping leaders with skills to drive transformation and innovation.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to building future-ready leaders equipped to navigate change and lead innovation. By investing in leadership development, CNL and WatSPEED are shaping a resilient workforce prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
To learn more about how WatSPEED can support your organization’s learning and development needs, visit the custom training page.